Dynamo afflicted by injuries ahead of NE

The Houston Dynamo have been keeping their training staff very busy, with several players likely out or game-time decisions against New England this weekend.

“From the first game, we’ve picked up injuries like Eddie Robinson’s, and we’ve been patching things together all season,” said midfielder Lovel Palmer. “It’s tough, but we just have to go out and grind out three points.”

Midfielder Brad Davis looks to be the most likely to miss the match against New England. The midfielder worked on the side during Friday’s practice and did the same the day before, so it seems doubtful that Davis will be able to contribute even off of the bench. Ryan Cochrane and Adrian Serioux both look to be game-time decisions against New England, as they both practiced fully with the team on both Thursday and Friday.

“[I am] probably a game-time decision,” said Cochrane after Thursday’s practice. “[My groin] feels good for the most part.”

Cochrane tweaked his groin muscle during a shooting drill at the end of practice last week and tried to play through it against Monarcas Morelia in the SuperLiga semifinal. However, the injury forced him out at the half.

Defender Adrian Serioux has been suffering from a hamstring strain and hopes to be available this weekend, but the medical staff may choose to be a little more cautious with the Canadian.

“Thursday was the first day that I tried to give it a go, and it felt better than I thought it would feel,” noted Serioux. “At the same time, I just want to be cautious, and the medical staff wants me to be cautious as well. We’ll see though. Hopefully I will be able to go this weekend, but if not, then next weekend.”

Also back between the posts this week at practice was Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad. The veteran had surgery last week on his abdominal muscles and said he is way ahead of schedule. Onstad is hopeful to be available against the Fire next week.

“Surgery went well, and I feel a lot better than I thought I would at this stage,” noted Onstad. “I am pretty pleased about the way things are, but I’ve been out a while, so I am a little rusty.”

Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or comments can be sent via email to dwaincapodice@gmail.com.